Technology | Media | Telecommunications

Thursday, October 13, 2011

HD Video is Pervasive in Mobile Consumer Electronics

Today, high-definition (HD) video capabilities are a standard option in many types of consumer electronics (CE) devices. Once considered a feature that was available only in the expensive high-end products, HD video technology is now truly pervasive -- rapidly spreading throughout the industry.

As an example, last year there was a dramatic increase for High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connections in portable consumer devices -- including consumer-oriented HD video camcorders and digital still cameras (DSC).

In addition, within the personal computer segment, the HDMI interface applications in mobile PCs, graphics cards, and PC monitors continued to increase as consumers become more familiar with the benefits of the interface standard.

HDMI supports, on a single cable, any uncompressed TV or PC video format, including standard, enhanced, high definition and 3D video signals; up to 8 channels of compressed or uncompressed digital audio; a Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) connection; and an Ethernet data connection.

According to the latest market study by In-Stat, they forecast that HDMI-enabled mobile PC shipments will surpass 300 million units in 2014. Many of these mobile PCs will be likely be purchased and used to stream video content to HDTV sets.

“HDMI has made significant strides in mobile PCs over the past three years, since it has two big advantages in this market, says Brian O’Rourke, Research Director at In-Stat.

According to O'Rourke's assessment, the small profile of the interface is a better fit for size-conscious mobile PC OEMs. In addition, HDMI’s popularity across the CE segment makes HDMI a clear choice, especially for consumer mobile PCs.

Dell, Sony, HP, Acer, and Toshiba all feature HDMI in their consumer notebook lines. Netbooks are adopting HDMI as well, particularly higher-end devices that are marketed as media devices, so that they can easily connect to an HDTV.

In-Stat's latest market study insights include:

Embedded DisplayPort will have a 35 percent attach rate in mobile PCs in 2013.